5k & 10k checklist: All the essentials for a smooth race

If your next (or first!) 5k or 10k race is coming up, you’ll want to make sure you have all the gear and accessories you need for a smooth race, especially if you’ll be racing in another city or country. 

So, to help you focus on your performance and ease the pre-race stress, we’ve put together, with the help of our coaches, the ultimate checklist for your next 5k/10k race. It’s in PDF form, so you can easily download and print it. 

Find Runna’s checklist for a smooth 5k or 10k race below, plus detailed info about each item under it.

Your 5k/10k checklist: The gear you need to run a 5k or a 10k race

Coming prepared to the start line will help ensure you have a smooth race where you can focus entirely on your performance and, hopefully, set a new PR. That’s even more important if this is one of the first races in your life – but having a checklist can help even the most experienced runner prepare better for the race. 

So, let’s see why each item above made it to the list above, which ones are really important, and which ones are simply a matter of personal preference. 

The essentials for your 5K/10K race

First, let’s focus on the most important items for your upcoming race. 

• Running shoes: This one is pretty obvious. Our advice is to run in shoes that you’ve already run in at least a dozen times and that you’ve tested for distances similar to your race. 
• Running tights or shorts: Pick a pair you’ve already run in at least a few times. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics that will keep you dry and comfortable.
• Running top: Same as above – nothing new on race day. Depending on the forecast, you can wear a t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, or a running vest, but remember that you’ll feel warmer during your actual race. If the weather is chilly, consider wearing an old throw-away layer that you can take off just before you start. Many races have charity clothing donation policies for these. 
• Running socks: Moisture-wicking, technical fabrics help prevent blisters. Compression socks might be helpful, too (although they’re not a must for shorter races). 
• Comfortable underwear/sports bra: Nothing’s worse than running in underwear that’s not comfortable, so, again, pick something tried and tested.
• Sunscreen: Cloudy weather doesn’t mean no sunscreen is needed. Consider all the wait times, too – for example, before the race begins and while you wait to collect your gear bag – and make sure you protect your skin.
• Hairband: Essential if you need to tie up your hair to keep it out of your face or off your neck during the race.
• ID: If you haven’t collected your race bib in advance, you’ll most likely need to bring your ID with you to the race bib collection point. 
• Race bib: No bib, no race, so ensure you collect your race bib and timing chip and bring it with you to the start line.
• Safety pins: You’ll need those to attach your race bib; usually, they’re provided with it, but make sure you don’t forget them at home. 
• Smart watch or phone: Make sure you take your smart watch or mobile phone with you to keep an eye on your pace and stick to your race strategy. Here’s how to pace a 10k or a 5k; check out our pace calculator to figure out your ideal pace.
• Directions to the start line: Check where the start line is and how to get there, especially for major races with thousands of participants.
• Pre-race breakfast: Get a nice breakfast with plenty of carbs, ideally 2-3 hours before the start of the race. 

Weather-related items

Below, we’ve listed items that’ll depend on race-day weather. Check the forecast to ensure you know what to expect and prepare accordingly. 

• Rain poncho or trash bag: In the case of chilly weather, wind, or rain, you can get a single-use rain poncho or even a trash bag with holes for your arms and head (a big classic of cold-weather races around the globe!)
• Running jacket: If you’re expecting consistently low temperatures, bring a running jacket with you to stay warm during the race.
• Running hat, cap, visor, or a headband: Sunny weather? Take a running cap or a visor. Windy, chilly day? A hat or a headband will protect your head and ears from the cold.
• Running gloves: If you’ll be running in cold weather, a pair of running gloves might be a good addition to your running equipment. 
• Sunglasses: In bright and sunny weather, you might want to grab a pair of sunglasses, but make sure you’ve tested them during a run beforehand.

Optional race gear

The below items aren’t crucial for racing, but might make your racing experience more enjoyable:

• Hydration: Most city races will have hydration stations or distribute water bottles at the end of the race, but check that in advance and prepare accordingly.
• Headphones or earbuds/earphones: If you want to get pace cues, listen to music, or even a running podcast, bring your headphones with you. Not all races allow headphones or even earbuds, so check that in advance. Hint: Subscribe to the Runna podcast on Spotify or Apple for an extra motivational boost during your race! 
• Fuel (f.e. energy gels or bars): Additional fuel for shorter races is not strictly necessary, but some people benefit from having an energy bar or gel right at the start or midway through.
• Vaseline or Body Glide: If your skin chafes easily, vaseline or Body Glide will help prevent that. 
• Band-aids (plasters): Plasters might be helpful if you often get blisters when running. (But if that’s a recurring issue, make sure your shoes fit well, too!)
• Gear check bag: In case you’re going to check your personal items at the race, bring a bag to store them in. Keep in mind that some races will only accept their official bags.
• Running backpack or belt: If, instead, you prefer to carry your personal belongings with you, a running backpack or a belt is probably the best solution. 

Your post-race kit

For the best post-race experience, here are some essentials you might want to bring: 

• Post-race snacks: Not all races provide those, so you might want to bring your favorite snack with you as a special reward. 
• A change of clothes: If you’re able to change into clean, dry clothes after the race, you’ll feel much more comfortable. Don’t forget a pair of dry socks, too!
• A towel: If there are showers at the race, a towel is a must. And even if there aren’t any, you can still use it to dry yourself off. 
• Wet wipes: No showers? Get a pack of wet wipes to freshen up.
• Deodorant: Bring a deodorant stick or spray if you’re planning on any post-race celebrations.
• Comfortable shoes: You might want to change into another pair of shoes or even slippers after the race.
• Money/bank card/driving license: Essential for getting home quickly. 

For the best racing experience, come prepared to the start line

Make sure you’ve got everything ready for your race before you head out the door. This way, you’ll be able to focus on your performance, enjoy the race, and see the results of all your hard work after months of training. That PR is waiting for you! 

Print out our PDF checklist for your next 5k or 10k race to ensure you pack all the essentials and aren’t forgetting anything you’ll need: tried and tested shoes and clothing, the right accessories depending on the weather, and a nice post-race kit to start your recovery and enjoy the rest of the day. 

And, if you want to use a structured training plan that’s customized to your preferences and goals to prepare for your next race, check out Runna’s beginner 5k plans to prepare your first race, 5k improvement plans for setting a new PR, and 10k plans for runners of all levels.

Join us to level up your running game!